Imposter posing as a law enforcement officer
In the heart of Essen, Germany, an 84-year-old woman fell victim to a brazen theft on July 24th of this year. The unknown individual, posing as a police officer, managed to steal cash, jewelry, and an EC card from the elderly woman.
The harrowing incident unfolded when the woman received a call from a man claiming to be a police officer. He informed her that there had been several burglaries in the neighbourhood and that for her safety, she should hand over cash, jewelry, and her EC card with PIN. Shortly after, an unknown man rang her doorbell, also claiming to be a police officer. Despite her doubts, the 84-year-old eventually handed over the items due to his persistent pressure.
The police are currently searching for this man, using images from a surveillance camera. The ATM's video surveillance recorded the transaction involving the suspect on July 25th, at around 00:10 AM, when he used the stolen EC card to withdraw cash from an ATM in Essen city center. The stolen EC card has not been used since the incident.
The police officer from the Essen police department investigating this case is not mentioned in the available search results. The public is urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. If anyone has information about the person in the images, they are encouraged to contact the police at 0201/829-0 or by email at [email protected].
Images of the suspect are available for public viewing here. The incident occurred in Essen-Holsterhausen. It is crucial to remember that the police will never ask for personal belongings or sensitive information over the phone or at your doorstep. If you suspect a fraudulent call or visit, do not hesitate to contact the authorities immediately. Stay safe, Essen.
